Networking Opportunities
We facilitate networking opportunities to bring staff and volunteers from across the sector together to support one another and share experiences.
Our Networking events are free to both members and non-members of Befriending Networks. They are a chance to come together to discuss a set theme, engage with others working in the sector, and gain support and insight from our staff team. We encourage members to co-deliver networking events with us, providing insight and expertise into various areas of befriending delivery. Interested in getting involved?
The Leaders and Managers Network is exclusive to Befriending Networks members and is facilitated monthly by our CEO. These informal lunchtime sessions are supportive opportunities to discuss all things surrounding the leadership and management of befriending services. Regular attendance at these sessions is an excellent way to build up your connections and collaborate with leaders and managers within the sector.
Making the Most of Membership
New to Befriending Networks and want to learn more about what your membership has to offer? Or are you an existing member looking for a refresher on the benefits of being part of our network? Either way, this session is for you.
Our short Making the Most of Membership sessions are designed to cover everything you need to know about our organisation and to assist you in finding the information you need for your project. They’re also an opportunity for those considering membership to gain an understanding of what we have to offer.
Great to reconnect with friends from Befriending Networks and fellow organisations across the UK during their insightful networking sessions. These sessions are just one of the invaluable resources empowering organisations delivering vital befriending services nationwide.
If you want to learn more about maximising membership, have questions for our Membership Team, or just want to refresh your knowledge, come to our next session – we look forward to seeing you there!
Browse upcoming networking opportunities below.
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Journey Across Befriending: Aberdeen
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
11:45 – 14:45 (GMT)Co-hosted with Befriend a Child, a Quality in Befriending Excellence Award holder.
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Leaders and Managers Network: Volunteer Recognition
Monday, 26 May 2025
12:30 – 13:30 (GMT)How do you meaningfully thank and recognise your volunteers?
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Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness (May)
Wednesday, 28 May 2025
14:00 – 16:00 (GMT)Connect, share, and discuss practice, policy and research linked to social isolation and loneliness in Scotland
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Being a Befriender: In-Person Befriending Methods
Tuesday, 3 June 2025
18:00 – 19:00 (GMT)A virtual event to recognise & celebrate in-person befrienders. This means meeting face-to-face in 1:1/groups at homes or in the…
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Being a Befriender: Distance Befriending Methods
Wednesday, 4 June 2025
18:00 – 19:00 (GMT)A virtual event to recognise & celebrate distance befrienders. This means meeting virtually or through methods like telephone or letters
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Online Community Lunch and Meet Up
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
12:30 – 13:30 (GMT)Take a break from all the busyness and encourage one another in the great work you are doing
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Journey Across Befriending: Tamworth
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
12:00 – 15:00 (GMT)Co-hosted with Community Together CIC, a Quality in Befriending Excellence Award holder.
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Networking: Children and Young People’s Forum (June)
Thursday, 19 June 2025
10:00 – 11:00 (GMT)A free networking session with a focus on topical issues impacting children and young people within the context of befriending.
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Making the Most of Membership (July)
Tuesday, 8 July 2025
14:00 – 15:00 (GMT)New to Befriending Networks and want to learn more about what your membership has to offer? Or are you an…
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Networking: Group Befriending
Wednesday, 9 July 2025
13:30 – 14:30 (GMT)Explore the world of group and activity-based befriending for your service users.
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Introduction to Befriending Networks (July)
Tuesday, 15 July 2025
14:00 – 15:00 (GMT)Find out more about Befriending Networks and how to access resources to support your project.
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Networking: Planning for Befriending Week
Wednesday, 13 August 2025
10:00 – 11:00 (GMT)Get planning for our celebration of befriending in November!
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Networking: Children and Young People’s Forum (September)
Tuesday, 2 September 2025
13:00 – 14:00 (GMT)A free networking session with a focus on topical issues impacting children and young people within the context of befriending.
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Making the Most of Membership (September)
Wednesday, 3 September 2025
10:00 – 11:00 (GMT)New to Befriending Networks and want to learn more about what your membership has to offer? Or are you an…
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Introduction to Befriending Networks (September)
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
14:00 – 15:00 (GMT)Find out more about Befriending Networks and how to access resources to support your project.
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Networking: Distance Befriending
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
10:00 – 11:00 (GMT)Explore various methods for building meaningful connections over a distance, online and offline.
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Making the Most of Membership (October)
Tuesday, 7 October 2025
14:00 – 15:00 (GMT)New to Befriending Networks and want to learn more about what your membership has to offer? Or are you an…
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Networking: Supporting Carers / Adapting Your Project
Tuesday, 14 October 2025
13:00 – 14:00 (GMT)Come and get some ideas to support your existing project and/or get some tips on how to start an additional…
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Out of Hours Networking (October)
Tuesday, 21 October 2025
19:00 – 20:00 (GMT)Chat and meet with projects across the UK and the rest of the world at an alternative time.
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Introduction to Befriending Networks (November)
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
12:00 – 13:00 (GMT)Find out more about Befriending Networks and how to access resources to support your project.
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Networking: Supporting the Wellbeing of yourself and your team
Wednesday, 19 November 2025
11:00 – 12:00 (GMT)Explore how to take care of the mental wellbeing of your staff, volunteers and service users.
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Networking: Seasonal Support
Tuesday, 2 December 2025
14:00 – 15:00 (GMT)Share with others what your plans are and get some new ideas for the holiday season.
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Making the Most of Membership (December)
Wednesday, 3 December 2025
10:00 – 11:00 (GMT)New to Befriending Networks and want to learn more about what your membership has to offer? Or are you an…
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Networking: Children and Young People’s Forum (January)
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
10:00 – 11:00 (GMT)A free networking session with a focus on topical issues impacting children and young people within the context of befriending.
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